---
title: "“Expected to join Rangers” – Derek McInnes on the brink of securing 11th summer signing"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/17/nedeljkovic-rangers-transfer-loan"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-08-17T22:10:31Z"
modified: "2026-08-17T22:16:25Z"
---

# “Expected to join Rangers” – Derek McInnes on the brink of securing 11th summer signing

**Derek McInnes is set to welcome a new right-back into his squad with the arrival of Aston Villa’s Kosta Nedeljkovic.**

According to a report from [The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/transfer-news-live-updates/eeEvgjdPplD9/SzRNhQo8apca/?unlocked_article_code=1.6FA.QXUr.BqQt-erFo7OH&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_live_blog_copylink&smid=url-share-ta), the senior Serbian international will move to Glasgow on an initial loan deal, with an obligation for a permanent transfer.

That is said to be based on appearances, which appears to work in Rangers’ favour, given that Nedeljkovic will be coming to play.

In the opening stages of the season, the need for an attacking outlet at right-back has been clear, with Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie not having the required skill set to thrive in that role.

> Nedeljkovic looks the part, although he didnt play much for RB Leipzig last season.\
> \
> Still only 20, hopefully he and Dragojevic can get the best out of each other. [https://t.co/gGQKNW2WGc](https://t.co/gGQKNW2WGc)
>
> — Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/graeme818/status/2089464889060249706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Kosta Nedeljkovic set to clinch Rangers transfer

“Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic is expected to join Rangers on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, said the report.

“The obligation, which would be triggered based on appearances, is worth £4million.

“The 20-year-old has held talks with Rangers manager Derek McInnes, with the Scottish club having been in contact throughout the summer.”

### Belgrade to Glasgow, via Birmingham and Leipzig

At just 20, Kosta Nedeljkovic has plenty of time on his side.

He emerged at Red Star Belgrade, before making the move to Aston Villa in January 2024.

In Birmingham, he couldn’t quite force his way into the fiest team on a permanent basis, and was farmed out to RB Leipzig in January 2025 to gain valuable first-team experience in the Bundesliga.

His loan was renewed for the full season, this time last year, but Nedeljkovic managed just five Bundesliga appearances and a total of 252 league minutes across 2025/26.

A knee and a back injury signifcantly curtailed his involvement in the east of Germany.

Recently, it was said that the Serb was facing a final [Aston Villa audition with a £25 million threat](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/15/kosta-nedeljkovic-faces-huge-aston-villa-audition-as-25m-transfer-threat-looms/) looming.

It now appears that Villa are moving on without him, and hopefully Rangers are gaining a hungry young player determined to prove his quality, with a sharp increase in his game time.